Facsimile machine with custom operational parameters

Abstract

A user interface simplifies operation of a facsimile machine (FAX). A display screen displays a plurality of menus and allows the user to select from the menus. The display contains a touch-sensitive screen to allow the user to select menu options by touching the display screen in a position corresponding to the displayed menu option. The user interface is context sensitive and can interpret the user selections in determining which menu to display. If the user makes an incorrect selection, the system instructs the user as to the proper selection.

We claim: 
     
       1. A method in a facsimile machine having a display screen and a plurality of screen displays for the selection of operational parameters for the facsimile machine, the facsimile machine having a storage area containing a plurality of user-selected values for the operational parameters, the method comprising the steps of: sensing user entry of identification data for a particular user on a user input device;   comparing said user-entered identification data to a predetermined stored list of identification data to determine if said predetermined list of identification data includes said user-entered identification data; and   enabling operation of the facsimile machine by said particular user using the user-selected values for the operational parameters of the facsimile machine if said predetermined list of identification data includes said user-entered identification data including displaying a selected one of said plurality of screen displays as an initial display on the display screen as one of the operational parameters.   
     
     
       2. The method of claim 1, further including the steps of: sensing user input to alter the stored plurality of values for the operational parameters for the facsimile machine; and   storing said altered parameter values in a storage location within the facsimile machine as the user-selected values for said particular user.   
     
     
       3. The method of claim 2 wherein said stored altered values are used as a set of initial values for said particular user if operation of the facsimile machine by said particular user is enabled. 
     
     
       4. A method in a facsimile machine for the selection of operational parameters for the facsimile machine including a contrast control and a darkness control, the facsimile machine having a storage area containing a plurality of user-selected values for the operational parameters, the method comprising the steps of: sensing user entry of identification data for a particular user on a user input device;   comparing said user-entered identification data to a predetermined stored list of identification data to determine if said predetermined list of identification data includes said user-entered identification data; and   enabling operation of the facsimile machine by said particular user using the user-selected values for the operational parameters of the facsimile machine including the selection of one of a group comprising a contrast control value and a darkness control value if said predetermined list of identification data includes said user-entered identification data.   
     
     
       5. The method of claim 4, further including the steps of: sensing user input to alter the stored plurality of values for the operational parameters for the facsimile machine; and   storing said altered parameter values in a storage location within the facsimile machine as the user-selected values for said particular user.   
     
     
       6. The method of claim 5 wherein said stored altered values are used as a set of initial values for said particular user if operation of the facsimile machine by said particular user is enabled. 
     
     
       7. A method for operation of a facsimile machine having a user input device, the method comprising: storing initial values for a plurality of operational parameters used to control initial operation of the facsimile machine;   storing a set of user-selected values for said operational parameters corresponding to each of a plurality of individual users;   sensing user input on the user input device from said plurality of users to operate the facsimile machine;   if said sensed user input includes a login operation to identify a particular one of said plurality of individual users, replacing said initial values with said set of user-selected values corresponding to said particular individual user; and   if said sensed user input does not include a login operation, using said initial values for said plurality of operational parameters.   
     
     
       8. The method of claim 7, further including the steps of: if said sensed input previously included said login operation, sensing a logout operation on the user input device to indicate that said particular one of said plurality of users has terminated operation of the facsimile machine; and   upon completion of said logout operation, restoring said initial values for the plurality of operational parameters, whereby the facsimile machine operates with said set of user-selected values corresponding to said particular individual user when said particular individual user is logged in to the facsimile machine, and operates with said initial values when said particular individual is logged off of the facsimile machine.   
     
     
       9. The method of claim 7, further including the steps of: sensing user input by said particular individual user to alter said set of user-selected values corresponding to said particular individual user when said particular individual user is logged in to the facsimile machine; and   storing said altered values as said set of user-selected values corresponding to said particular individual user.   
     
     
       10. A facsimile machine, comprising: a parameter storage area to store initial values for one or more operational parameters used to control initial operation of the facsimile machine;   a value storage area to store a set of user-selected values for said operational parameters corresponding to each of a plurality of individual users;   a user input device to permit user input to control operation of the facsimile machine;   login means used in conjunction with said user input device for identifying a particular one of said plurality of individual users in a login operation said login means replacing said initial values with said set of user-selected values corresponding to said particular individual user, said login means also sensing a logout operation on the user input device to indicate that said particular individual user has terminated operation of the facsimile machine, said login means restoring said initial values following said logout operation, whereby the facsimile machine operates with said set of user-selected values corresponding to said particular individual user when said particular individual user is logged in to the facsimile machine, and operates with said initial values when said particular individual user is logged off of the facsimile machine.   
     
     
       11. A facsimile machine, comprising: a parameter storage area to store initial values for one or more operational parameters used to control initial operation of the facsimile machine;   a value storage area to store a set of user-selected values for said operational parameters corresponding to each of a plurality of individual users;   a user input device to permit user input to control operation of the facsimile machine;   login means used in conjunction with said user input device for identifying a particular one of said plurality of individual users in a login operation, said login means replacing said initial values with said set of user-selected values corresponding to said particular individual user; and   alteration means used in conjunction with said user input device for altering said set of user-selected values corresponding to said particular individual user when said particular individual user is logged in to the facsimile machine, said altered values being stored in said value storage area as said set of user-selected values corresponding to said particular individual user.